Monday, March 17, 2014

Happy Saint Patrick's Day


I was struck by this poignant video posted today on the New York Times site and thought how perfectly the Okinawan duo 
Isamu Shimoji and Yukito Ara's song captures a longing for a distant home. Sung to the tune of "Danny Boy" their song reinterprets and reframes  Frederic Weatherly's classic and makes it both more personal and more global. Isamu Shimoji and Yukito Ara's lyrics are below:


Beloved child of mine,

From beyond the skies is heard the voice of the flute calling to you.

Summer has passed, the flowers of the season have fallen.

You are preparing for the journey to distant lands.

Through the summer when the grasses and flowers bloom and peak,

Through the winter when the north winds bluster and blow, here on this island I’m always waiting for you.

Beloved child of mine, o beloved child of mine!

I’m watching and waiting for you to return, gentle and brave.

As the seasons turn and you finally come home to the island of your birth, 

Though you may no longer see my form, 

my love for you is true through eternity.

With your gentle voice, call to me!

Beloved child of mine, o beloved child of mine!

Beloved child of mine, o beloved child of mine!



Translation, by Sharon Nakazato.



Thursday, March 13, 2014

Gregg Chadwick's "Trains and Stations" at Santa Monica Airport Artwalk 2014

Gregg Chadwick
The Emperor's Train 68"x144" oil on Japanese screen 2014
and Empire State (Grand Central) 72"x36" oil on linen 2013 

Courtesy Sandra Lee Gallery

As part of the Santa Monica Airport Artwalk 2014, my installation "Trains and Stations" will be on view in the Hangar West Gallery at the Santa Monica Art Studios. My studio #15, directly across from the screen, will also be open and will include new paintings on this theme.

Opening reception - Saturday, March 15, 2014 from 12 - 5pm

"Trains and Stations" was inspired by the powerful music of Michael McDermott and his band The Westies and the memory of my Grandfather Arthur Desch who made his living as a train engineer on the Jersey Central Line.


SANTA MONICA AIRPORT ARTWALK 2014
SANTA MONICA ART STUDIOS 
3026 Airport Ave. Santa Monica, CA 90405 | 310-397-7449